|
April 5, 2019 FluoSolv® CX is the Safer Solvent to Replace TCE and nPB.
FluoSolv® CX s a non-flammable precision cleaning solvent that can act as a drop-in replacement for dangerous vapor degreasing solvents such as nPB (n-propyl bromide) and TCE (trichloroethylene). Vapor degreasing solvents have steadily improved over time and the FluoSolv® line of non-hazardous solvents, including FluoSolv® CX, has emerged as the safer choice for tough degreasing jobs. Unfortunately, there are still unsafe materials in use, regularly putting workers and communities health at risk.
What is Vapor Degreasing?
Vapor degreasing is a cleaning method that involves heating a solvent until it boils and then allowing the vapor to condense onto the metal that is being cleaned. When the solvent condenses on the metal, an ideal solvent will pick up every molecule of soil from the surface, leaving a metal that is perfectly clean - this is a form of precision cleaning. There are many options for vapor-degreasing solvents but, unfortunately, many of them have drawbacks such as toxicity, ozone-depletion potential, carcinogenicity, and reactivity. The FluoSolv® line of vapor degreasing solvents stands out from traditional, more dangerous solvents in that they are non-hazardous and are not ozone-depleting chemicals.
FluoSolv® CX works particularly well in vapor degreasing applications because it is non-flammable, which is the result of FluoSolv® researchers’ and developers’ expert knowledge of azeotropic solvents. To learn more about what azeotropes are and how they work, read our article, “What is an Azeotrope?”
FluoSolv® CX Replaces TCE
Recently in Minnesota, legislation has been proposed to ban TCE outright and FluoSolv® was chosen as the safer alternative. Read about it, here.
TCE is popular as a degreasing solvent in the United States for its cost and efficacy. It may be cheap and efficient, but it comes with significant health risks.
- TCE is a Human Carcinogen
The presence of TCE in the air we breathe has sparked an outcry in affected communities. TCE emissions from local industries have become such a health risk that legislators are moving to ban TCE altogether in places like Minnesota.
- TCE causes Genetic Defects
The genetic defects caused by TCE is a cause of concern for expecting parents. Genetic defects from TCE could cause developmental problems in growing children. Community members are calling on industries to stop using TCE and other dangerous pollutants.
FluoSolv® CX Replaces nPB
If you’re using nPB, you are exposing yourself and your community to a carcinogen. nPB, also known as 1-bromopropane or n-propyl bromide, became a popular vapor degreaser when TCE, TCA, and perchloroethylene became heavily regulated (read more about the hazards of these three chlorinated solvents in our post about parts washers). Since then, the National Toxicity Program has deemed nPB “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” With a statement like this from the widely-respected National Toxicity Program, forward-thinking companies have anticipated an increase in regulation for nPB and have sought safer alternatives.
FluoSolv® CX Will Not Deplete the Ozone
One reason FluoSolv® CX is becoming popular with companies like Boeing: unlike HCFC’s like Asahi AK-225 and HCFC-141b, FluoSolv® CX will not contribute to ozone depletion. FluoSolv® CX is perfectly suited as a drop-in replacement for these ozone-depleting vapor degreasers, without the long-lasting effects on our stratosphere.
How Does FluoSolv® CX Work?
FluoSolv® CX utilizes solvent blending technology that leverages the chemical solvency of the fluid as well as its physical properties such as high density, low surface tension and low viscosity for optimal performance. Our research has shown that to clean metal surfaces in the shortest amount of time the solvent must flow extremely close to the surface to “catch & release” contaminants. FluoSolv® CX has the following safety and cleaning characteristics:
- Non-flammable & Non-Toxic
- High Kb value provides excellent solvency for tough to clean residues
- High Density
- Low Viscosity
- No Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP)
- Low global warming potential (GWP)
- No chronic toxicity
- Chemically stable; will not become acidic
NuGenTec®?: Redefining Chemistry
If you are seeking healthier, more environmentally responsible, and less costly alternatives for your industrial processes, contact NuGenTec today. Learn more about FluoSolv® CX by clicking here.
|
